Abstract
While summer camps provide children a unique experience away from home, this environment may lead to increased and unsupervised use of digital media. Camps’ policies and leaderships’ views on digital media consumption in camps are currently unknown. To elucidate current trends, we partnered with CampDoc.com to survey a national sample of camp leadership about digital media policies and practices. A single response was selected from each camp and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Free text responses reflecting on positive and negative experiences with digital media were assessed using thematic analysis. We received 722 responses from 363 of the 950 camps within the Camp Doc network. Respondents represented camps in 45 states in the United States. Internet and cell service were available in 22.3% and 34.7% of camps, respectively. Approximately 60% of camps reported a digital media policy for campers and staff. Most policies (67.9%) did not allow use of digital media devices. Camp leadership reported that smartphones (51.3%) and social media apps (42.2%) were most difficult to restrict. Qualitative themes focused on the benefits of digital media for creativity and connection, but also the interruption of camp experiences. Camp personnel described positive media uses aligned with American Academy of Pediatrics media guidelines, for teaching creativity, acquiring new skills, and understanding the value of unplugging for creating social connections. Although most camps have policies restricting digital media use, complete restriction may be difficult.
Highlights
The American Camp Association reports that each year over 14 million American children attend summer camps (Statista, n.d.)
The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend consistent time limits for digital media use; smartphone use in summer camp settings exclusively for individual recreational use may negate some of the potential beneficial summer camp experiences (MEDIA, 2016b; Uhls et al, 2014)
We partnered with CampDoc.com, the largest national electronic health records system for camps, to recruit camp leadership to complete an online survey about camp digital media policies, attitudes and practices
Summary
The American Camp Association reports that each year over 14 million American children attend summer camps (Statista, n.d.). These summer camps present an opportunity for adolescents to engage in positive social and emotional experiences away from home by learning new skills and experiencing outdoor activities (Walton et al, 2011). When preparing to attend camps, parents and their children must often decide if digital media devices, such as smartphones, are truly “essential” to bring to summer camp. The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend consistent time limits for digital media use; smartphone use in summer camp settings exclusively for individual recreational use may negate some of the potential beneficial summer camp experiences (MEDIA, 2016b; Uhls et al, 2014)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
